We have enjoyed mild summer weather this week. The outdoors was beckoning all the more. Often I walk from the monastery towards the Slabsides Sanctuary on nearby Floyd Ackert Road. I can get to the entrance of the sanctuary and back home in 50 minutes or so. I often squeeze the 8000 steps it takes between Matins and our Eucharist while it is still cool. Sometimes, I sign out a car to drive to the entrance of the sanctuary and walk its trails. Depending on the mood, I might walk in silence or catch up on some of my favorite podcasts. It all adds up towards my daily goal of 10,000 steps to stay healthy.
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| Nature delights. From top left, clockwise: Sulphur Shelf Mushroom or Chicken Mushroom (Laetiporus sulphureus) growing on a dead tree in Slabsides; the younger caps are pleasant to eat I read; web picture of a red-shouldered hawk (I surprised one into flight on the upper parking level); St Augustine church from our meadow; the Slabsides pond (close-up and wider shot). |
The mild weather also encourages meditation and prayer outside. I have done some of my centering prayer on our porch. Technically, I should close my eyes but sometimes I contemplate the river as the sacred symbol of my consent to God's presence and action within.
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| Quiet occupations. From top left, clockwise: Br. John meditating on the porch; Br. Robert James doing a pastel picture of hydrangeas; Br. Robert's floral handiwork at the feet of Our Lady and Child in the church. |
May you enjoy the late summer blessings too.
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